GRISWOLD  ALEXANDER  VIETS 
A  sermon  delivered  in  Trinity 
Church,  Boston 


BX 
5937 
G85 
S4 


LA  . 

SERMON, 


DELIVERED 


IN  TRINITY  CHURCH,  BOSTON, 

AT    THE 

FIRST  MEETING  OF  THE  CONVENTION 

Of 

THE  EASTERN  DIOCESE, 

19TH  SEPTEMBER,  1810. 


BY 

ALEXANDER  V.  GRI9WOLD, 

RECTOR   OF    ST.  MICHAEL'S    CHURCH,  BRISTOL,   (R.    I.) 
BISHOP    ELECT. 


PUBLISHED  BY  DESIRE  OF  THE  CONVENTION. 


BOSTON  : 

PRINTED    BY    MUNROE    &    FRANCIS,   NO.    4    CORNHILL. 
1811. 


UBKARY 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
SANTA  BARBARA 


SERMON. 


2  TIMOTHY,  IV.  1--5. 

/  charge  thee  therefore  before  God  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ^ 
who  shall  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead  at  his  appearing  and 
Ms  kingdom^  Preach  the  word  ;  be  instant  in  season,  out 
of  season  ;  reprove,  rebuke,  exhort,  with  all  long-suffering  and 
doctrine.  for  the  time  will  come,  when  they  will  not  endure 
sound  doctrine  ;  but  after  their  own  lusts  shall  they  heaji  to 
themselves  teachers,  having  itching  ears. 


SUCH  was  the  charge,  so  very  solemn,  which  St. 
Paul,  not  long  before  his  death,  addressed  to  Timothy, 
his  fellow  labourer  in  the  gospel  ministry.  And  when 
we  consider  also  the  exemplary  piety  and  active  zeal  of 
this  faithful  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  it  evidently  concerns 
us  to  reflect  upon  the  duties  and  the  great  obligations  of 
this  sacred  office.  If  such  serious  exhortations — such 
solemn  calls  to  duty  were  fit  and  needful  for  Timothy, 
who  of  us  can  hear  them  with  unconcern  ? 

In  the  two  epistles,  which  the  apostle  wrote  to  this  his 
"  son  in  the  faith,"  we  have  much  useful  instruction,  for 
those  especially  who  are  ordained  to  preach  the  gospel 


4 

The  passage,  selected  from  the  second  of  these  epistles, 
the  last  probably  that  the  apostle  wrote,  is  worthy  of 
particular  attention  ;  and  the  subject  it  proposes,  will 
not,  I  trust,  be  deemed  impertinent  to  the  present  oc- 
casion. It  is  an  earnest  call  to  zeal  and  faithfulness  in 
the  sacred  cause  of  religion,  which  merits  the  considera- 
tion of  "  all  who  profess  and  call  themselves  Christians  ;" 
especially  those  who  are  appointed  to  manage  the  con- 
cerns of  the  church,  and  chiefly  the  appointed  stewards 
of  its  holy  mysteries. 

The  three  verses,  which  have  been  read,  suggest  as 
many  heads  to  our  discourse  : 

In  the  first,  we  are  reminded  of  some  serious  truths, 
which  should  always  excite  our  zeal  for  the  gospel 
of  Jesus  Christ. 

In  the  second,  we  learn  some  of  the  most  essential 
duties  of  those  who  preach  it.  And 

In  the  third,  an  especial  reason  is  assigned  for  the 
utmost  diligence  in  discharging  them. 

These  are  the  points  to  which  our  attention  is  invited  : 
God  grant  us  ears  to  hear,  hearts  to  understand,  and 
wisdom  to  improve  them. 

I.  With  great  solemnity  does  the  apostle  introduce 
this  charge  to  Timothy  ; — with  no  less  considerations 
than  the  presence  of  God,  and  the  day  of  judgment. 
"  I  charge  thee,  before  God  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
who  shall  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead  at  his  appearing 
and  his  kingdom."  These  are  motives  and  reasons, 
which,  however  common,  no  serious  person  can  hear 
without  the  deepest  concern  ;  nor  can  any  Christian 


slightly  regard  them,without  inconsistency  or  insensibil- 
ity. There  are  many  reasons  why  we  should  be  faithful 
and  diligent  in  the  discharge  of  every  duty  ;  but  these 
chiefly  should  influence  our  conduct.  The  duty  we 
owe  to  God,  as  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  and  the  assurance 
that  he  beholds  our  conduct  ;  that  our  hearts  are  in  his 
hand,  and  our  secret  thoughts  no  secret  to  him  ;  that 
our  Divine  Master  is  the  spectator  of  our  actions,  the 
witness  of  our  zeal  and  faithfulness,  and  finally  shall 
appear  in  his  glorious  kingdom  to  "  judge  the  quick 
and  the  dead,"  are  surely  motives  to  obedience  of 
primary  obligation.  They,  who  shall  be  alive  at  his 
coming,  with  all  who  sleep  in  their  graves,  shall  hear 
his  voice  and  come  to  judgment.  God  has  appointed  a 
day  in  which  he  will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness 
by  this  man  whom  he  has  ordained.  And  the  apostle 
calls  upon  us  to  live  as  in  his  presence  here,  and  as 
those  who  must  be  judged  by  him  hereafter.  It  is  a 
truth,  of  which  we  cannot  too  often  be  reminded  ; 
which  diminishes  the  worth  of  ah1  terrestrial  things,  and 
should  stimulate  every  Christian  to  press  forward  towards 
the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God. 

This  is  peculiarly  interesting  to  the  ministers  of  the 
gospel, — the  appointed  stewards  of  the  mysteries  and 
manifold  grace  of  God,  For  it  is  justly  "  required  in 
stewards,  that  a  man  be  found  faithful."  How  awfully 
accountable  to  our  Lord  and  Master  are  we,  whom  he 
has  chosen  from  the  world  to  administer  in  holy  things  ! 
to  be  instruments  in  his  hands  of  giving  life  and  salvation 
to  men,  and  of  training  souls  kfor  heaven  and  felicity  ! 


How  solemn  the  thought,  that  the  knowledge  and  prac- 
tice of  truth  on  earth,  and,  God  only  knows  how 
far,  the  happiness  or  misery  of  our  fellow  creatures  in 
their  future  state,  may  depend  on  the  diligence  with 
which  we  perform  our  duty  !  That  many  souls  on 
that  dreadful  day  of  "  his  appearing  and  his  kingdom'* 
shall  ascribe  their  misery  to  our  unfaithfulness  !  God 
has  made  us  very  much  dependent.  How  wretched 
would  be  our  present  existence,  deprived  of  mutual 
benefactions  !  Nor  is  it  any  impeachment  of  divine 
wisdom  or  goodness  to  suppose,  that  the  same  economy 
pervades  his  spiritual  kingdom,  and  that  we  may  be 
made  instruments  of  conferring  on  our  fellow  creatures, 
not  only  temporal,  but  eternal  benefits.  And  if  it  be 
displeasing  to  God  to  neglect  our  duty  in  the  one  case, 
how  much  more  in  the  other  !  If  the  rich  man,  who 
suffers  the  poor  to  languish  at  his  gate  without  relief, 
shall  be  condemned,  how  great  is  his  guilt,  who  neglects 
to  dispense  the  riches  of  grace  and  salvation  to  those 
needy  souls,  who  are  made  dependent  on  his  ministra- 
tions !  If  we  sin  in  withholding  temporal  food 
from  those  who  need,  how  much  more  in  keeping 
back  the  food  of  eternal  life  !  So  awful  is  the  responsi- 
bility of  our  stewardship  :  So  tremendous  are  the  con- 
ditions on  which  we  hold  our  sacred  office. 

With  what  faithfulness  then  and  zeal,  ought  we  to 
watch,  "  as  they  who  must  give  account"  to  our  heav- 
enly Master,  and  stand  with  others  before  his  judgment. 
How  ought  we  to  take  heed  to  ourselves,  and  to  our 
doctrine,  lest,  after  preaching  to  others,  we  become  cast- 


away.  Freely  have  we  received  ;  freely  are  we  com- 
manded to  give.  "  Son  of  man,"  saith  the  Lord  by  his 
prophet,*  "  I  have  made  thee  a  watchman  ; — therefore 
hear  the  word  from  my  mouth,  and  give  them  warning 
from  me.  When  I  say  unto  the  wicked,  Thou  shalt 
surely  die,  and  thou  givest  him  not  warning, — to  save  his 
life, — he  shall  die  in  his  iniquity  ;  but  his  blood  will 
I  require  at  thy  hand." 

II.  How  we  shall  discharge  this  duty,  and  deliver 
our  owti  soul,  we  thus  are  taught  by  the  holy  apostle  : 
"  Preach  the  word  :  be  instant,  in  season,  out  of  season  : 
reprove,  rebuke,  exhort,  with  all  long  suffering  and 
doctrine."  It  has  pleased  God  to  appoint,  that,  chiefly 
by  the  ordinance  of  preaching,  men  shall  receive  the 
knowledge  of  his  salvation.  He  chose  this  foolish  and 
weak  thing  of  the  world,  to  confound  the  wise  and  the 
mighty.  Twelve  apostles,  in  the  lower  ranks  of  life, 
with  nothing  of  this  world  to  recommend  them,  were 
sent,  as  the  heralds  of  peace  and  salvation,  to  bear  the 
banners  of  a  crucified  Saviour  through  the  earth.  These 
were  to  encounter  the  prejudice  of  the  Jews,  the  igno- 
rance of  the  Gentiles,  the  pride  of  learning  and  philoso- 
phy, the  power  of  idolatry,  and  the  corruption  and 
depravity  of  all  mankind.  In  the  strength  of  God  they 
went,  and  they  prospered.  Preaching  remains  still  the 
sacred  ordinance  by  which  God  ordinarily  imparts  to 
m  ai  the  knowledge  of  his  grace  and  faith  in  him.  For 
as  our  apostle  says,  "  How  shall  they  call  on  him,  in 
whom  they  have  not  believed  ?  and  how  shall  they 

*  Ezek.  iii. 


8 

believe  in  him,  of  whom  they  have  not  heard  ?  and  how 
shall  they  hear,  without  a  preacher  ?  and  how  shall  they 
preach,  except  they  be  sent  ?"  The  ordinance  is  impor- 
tant as  it  is  divine  ;  and  Timothy,  as  indeed  every  one 
ordained  to  that  ministry,  is  here  exhorted  to  zeal  and 
faithfulness. 

"  Preach  the  word,"  says  the  apostle,  comprising  in 
two  words  an  injunction  of  vast  import.  To  preach  the 
word, — to  preach  the  gospel, — and  to  preach  Jesus 
Christ,  are  common  scriptural  phrases  of  the  same  mean- 
ing. For  though  the  word  includes  all  holy  scriptures 
written  for  our  learning,  and  the  whole  law  of  God,  the 
same  scriptures  teach,  that  "  Jesus  Christ  is  the  end  of 
the  law  for  righteousness  to  every  one  who  believeth." 
All  the  prophets  center  in  him  as  the  way  and  the  life. 
The  law  looks  forward,  and  the  gospel  back  to  him 
alone,  as  the  Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away  the  sins  of 
the  world.  St.  Peter,  in  his  discourse  before  Cornelius, 
has  given  us  a  good  explanation  of  what  we  may  under- 
stand by  preaching  the  "word.  "  The  word,"  he  says, 
"  which  God  sent  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  preaching 
peace  by  Jesus  Christ,  (he  is  Lord  of  all,)  that  word,  I 
say,  ye  know,  which  was  published  throughout  all  Ju- 
dea  ; — how  God  anointed  Jesus  of  Nazareth  with  the 
Holy  Ghost  and  with  power  : — whom  they  slew  and 
hanged  on  a  tree  :  him  God  raised  up  the  third  day. — 
And  he  commanded  us  to  preach  unto  the  people  and 
to  testify,  that  it  is  he  which  was  ordained  of  God  to  be 
the  judge  of  quick  and  dead.  To  him  give  all  the 
prophets  witness,  that  through  his  name,  whoever  be- 


9 

lieveth  in  him  shall  receive  remission  of  sins."  This 
then  is  the  word  which  we  are  to  preach  ;  That  Jesus 
Christ  is  the  Lord  our  righteousness,  who  died  for  our 
sins,  and  rose  again  for  our  justification,  and  that  eternal 
salvation  is  to  be  obtained  through  faitli  in  his  merits. 
This  was  the  subject  of  St.  Paul's  preaching,  who 
"  testified,  both  to  the  Jews  and  also  to  the  Greeks,  re- 
pentance towards  God,  and  faith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ."  Such  should  be  the  theme  of  our  discourses. 
Whatever  we  teach  and  however  good  in  itself,  which 
has  no  respect  to  the  Redeemer,  nor  our  salvation 
through  him,  is  not  his  gospel,  nor  is  it  the  word,  in  the 
apostle's  sense.  We  must  preach  the  doctrines  of  the 
Saviour's  cross  ;  such  as  the  sinful,  fallen  state  of  man  ; 
the  redemption,  which  is  through  his  blood  ;  the  neces- 
sity of  a  conversion  from  sin,  and  renovation  of  the 
heart,  through  the  sanctifying  influence  of  the  Divine 
Spirit,  with  the  insufficiency  of  our  best  deeds  and 
merit,  and  of  our  natural  strength  to  attain  acceptance 
with  God  and  eternal  life.  We  must  preach  "  repent- 
ance towards  God,"  as  the  necessary  preparation  for  his 
heavenly  kingdom,  and  the  comforts  of  the  gospel. 
We  must  set  forth  "  faith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,"  as  the  condition  of  salvation  through  his  blood ; 
as  the  element  of  Christianity  ;  as  the  life  and  soul  of 
moral  goodness. 

We  must  also   teach  the  necessity,   and  exhort  men 
to  the  performance  of  every  religious  duty, — of  every 
gospel  ordinance,  as  the  evidence,  not  of  our  righteous- 
ness, but  of  our  faith.     The  sacred  ordinances  of  our 
B 


10 

religion,  are,  on  God's  part,  testimonials  of  his  love  to 
us  in  Jesus  Christ.  On  our  part  they  are  publick 
acknowledgments  of  our  unworthiness  to  merit  life 
eternal  ;  of  our  inability  to  save  ourselves  ;  of  our 
gratitude  for  God's  mercies  ;  of  our  trust  in  the  Lord 
our  Redeemer,  and  submission  to  his  righteousness. 

Moral  virtue,  though  not  in  itself  the  word  we  are 
to  preach,  is  also  a  very  necessary  part  of  our  preaching. 
It  is  "  a  faithful  saying,"  and  it  is  our  duty  to  "  affirm 
constantly,  that  they  who  have  believed  in  God  be  care- 
ful to  maintain  good  works."  We  are  to  teach  the 
strictest  and  purest  morality  :  not  indeed  as  the  founda- 
tion of  our  hope,  or  ground  of  our  justification  ;  not  as 
entitling  us  to  heaven  and  happiness  :  but  as  the  just 
return  for  God's  goodness  ;  as  a  grateful  acknowledg- 
ment of  his  mercies  ;  as  a  cordial  compliance  with  his 
will  ;  as  the  proper  fruit  of  Christian  faith  ;  as  a  partici- 
pation in  the  Saviour's  cross,and  a  conformity  to  his  holy 
example,  necessary  to  the  glorious  rewards  of  his  heav- 
enly kingdom. 

Such  is  the  morality  we  are  called  to  preach,  founded 
on  a  faith  in  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel  ;  and  it  is  the 
only  morality  which  will  be  of  much  real  benefit  to  man- 
kind. Let  us  expatiate  ever  so  finely  on  the  inherent 
beauty  and  amiableness  of  virtue  ;  though  we  "  speak 
with  tongues  of  men  and  of  angels"  of  the  natural 
fitness  of  moral  rectitude  ;  though  we  earnestly  declaim 
against  the  vices  of  the  age,  and  expose  to  view  the 
deformity  of  sin,  we  shall  never  remove  it  from  the 
heart,  nor  make  men  better,  till  we  make  them  chris- 


11 


tians.  When  was  the  heart  ever  changed,  or  the  world 
reformed,  by  this  kind  of  teaching  ?  Will  the  best 
precepts  of  morality,  independent  of  the  truths  and 
motives  which  the  gospel  reveals,  awaken  sinners  to 
repentance  ?  Our  flowery  disquisitions  on  the  various 
duties  of  life,  though  polished  smooth  as  marble,  will 
be  as  cold,  nor  touch  the  heart  with  the  pure  flame  of 
devotion.  That  virtue  is  amiable,  none  can  deny. 
But  are  its  charms  alone  sufficient  to  counterbalance 
the  allurements  of  the  world,  and  restrain  the  inordinate 
propensities  of  corrupted  nature  ?  No  :  we  must  preach 
the  word ;  we  must  preach  the  gospel  :  we  must  preach 
Jesus  Christ,  and  him  crucified.  We  must  cleanse  the 
fountain,  that  the  streams  may  be  pure.  The  word, 
the  quickening  word  of  God  must  be  "  grafted  inwardly 
in  the  heart,"  before  it  will  "  bring  forth  the  fruit  of 
good  living."  They,  who  are  whole,  need  not  a  physi- 
cian ;  and  they,  who  think  themselves  whole,  feel  not 
the  want  of  one.  Men  must  be  sensible  of  their  sinful, 
perilous  state,  before  they  will  "  hunger  and  thirst  after 
righteousness ;"  which  yet  they  must  do,  before  they  are 
fed.  For  God  fills  the  hungry  with  good  things,  and 
the  vainly  rich  he  sends  empty  away.  How  shall  we 
apply  to  the  great  Physician,  till  we  are  sensible,  that 
"  we  have  no  health  in  us  ?" 

The  apostle  further  exhorts  Timothy  to  be  zealous 
and  active  in  preaching  this  word.  "  Be  instant  ;"  be 
pressing,  prompt,  and  urgent,  making  no  delay.  In 
business  of  such  interesting  concern,  no  time  is  to  be 
wasted.  God  only  knows  what  blessings  may  attend 


12 

our  pious  labours  :  he,  only  knows  what  irreparable 
evils  may  result  from  our  negligence. 

Nor  must  we  neglect  any  favourable  opportunity. 
"  Be  instant,  in  season  ;  out  of  season.''1  For  "  to  eve- 
ry thing  there  is  a  season,  and  a  time  for  every  purpose 
under  heaven."  Accordingly  "  the  Lord  said,  Who 
then  is  that  faithful  and  wise  steward,  whom  his  Lord 
shall  make  ruler  of  his  household,  to  give  them  their 
portion  of  meat  in  due  season  ?"  It  highly  concerns 
us  all,  who  are  invested  with  that  sacred  office,  the 
stewardship  of  our  Lord's  household,  to  put  this  ques- 
tion to  our  own  hearts. 

Wisdom  and  good  order  require,  that  there  should  be 
stated  times  and  seasons  for  preaching  the  gospel. 
The  apostle's  words,  "  in  season,  out  of  season,"  imply 
that  certain  times  for  this  service  were  then  observed. 
The  first  day  of  the  week,  called  therefore  the  Lord's 
day,  was  no  doubt  then  in  season,  as  it  has  been  since. 
Timothy  is  directed,  and  we  of  course,  to  preach,  not 
only  on  this  day,  set  apart  for  that  sacred  purpose^but 
occasionally  at  other  times,  as  opportunity  occurs  of 
being  useful.  "  In  the  morning  sow  thy  seed,  and  in 
the  evening  spare  not  thy  hand."  While  men  have 
ears  to  hear,  let  us  not  withhold  the  word.  Let  us  be 
watchful  of  fit  times  to  dispense  the  treasures  of  the 
gospel,  and  give  to  all  their  portion  in  due  season.  Let 
not  indolence,  nor  any  influence  of  worldly  things,  set 
us  to  find  excuses  for  neglecting  this  duty  ;  but  imitate 
our  heavenly  Father,  who  is  more  ready  to  give,  than 
we  to  ask  or  receive. 


13 

We  are  further  commanded  to  "  reprove,  rebuke, 
exhort,  with  all  long  suffering  and  doctrine."  The 
preacher  of  the  word  must  be  attentive,  not  only  to  the 
"  due  season  ;"  but  also  to  the  respective  wants  and 
condition  of  his  hearers,  that  he  may  give  to  all  their 
portion  of  meat.  "  Of  some,"  says  St.Jude,  "  have  com- 
passion, making  a  difference,  and  others  save  with  fear, 
pulling  them  out  of  the  fire."  Presumptuous,  daring 
sinners,  will  need  reproof,  and  often  rebukes.  We  are 
not  to  flatter  men  in  their  sins,  nor  put  soft  names  upon 
those  transgressions  which  incur  the  wrath  of  God,  and 
lead  to  endless  misery.  "  Knowing"  ourselves  "  the 
terrours  of  the  Lord,"  we  must  cease  not  to  warn  the 
wicked  of  their  danger,  and  "  persuade  men,"  as  they 
fear  God,  or  regard  their  future  happiness,  to  flee  from 
sin.  Those  who  stand  we  must  exhort  to  perseverance 
and  "  patient  continuance  in  well  doing  ;"  that  with 
purpose  of  heart,  they  cleave  unto  the  Lord,  holding 
fast  the  profession  of  their  faith  without  wavering  ;  that, 
"  leaving  the  principles  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ,"  they 
"  go  on  unto  perfection,"  "  adding  to  their  faith  virtue, 

— knowledge, — temperance, — patience, — godliness, 

brotherly  kindness,  and — charity."  Give  them  just 
notions  of  the  doctrines  and  the  duties  of  Christianity  ; 
that  they  neither  neglect  good  works,  nor  improperly 
tr  st  in  them.  Teach  them  to  "  rejoice  with  tremb- 
ling :"  to  fear  without  despair,  and  to  hope  without 
presumption.  Thus  should  our  preaching,  far  as  possi- 
ble, be  adapted  to  the  wants  of  all  ;  to  awaken  sinners 
to  righteousness  ;  to  rouse  the  careless  to  vigilance  j 


14 

to  strengthen  the  wavering  with  faith  ;  to  comfort  the 
fearful  with  hope,  and  check  the  too  confident  with  fear. 

Such  is  the  duty  we  assume,  when  we  receive  the 
sacred  office  of  ambassador  of  Christ,  and  are  authorised 
to  speak  in  God's  name,  and  by  his  authority  to  man- 
kind :  an  office  ever  to  be  undertaken  with  great  rever- 
ence and  a  deep  sense  of  its  importance,  and  after  dis- 
charged with  equal  care  and  fidelity.  Timothy,  though 
of  an  infirm  constitution,  and  ill  bodily  health,  is  exhort- 
ed to  be  thus  extremely  diligent.  And  how  cautious 
then  should  we  be,  that  no  excuses  of  a  vain  or  trifling 
nature  shall  satisfy  our  conscience  in  neglecting  so 
great  a  duty. 

III.  The  apostle  adds,  in  the  third  verse  of  the  text 
before  us,  an  especial  reason  for  the  active  zeal  which  he 
recommends  :  "  For  the  time  will  come  when  they  will 
not  endure  sound  doctrine,  but,  after  their  own  lusts, 
shall  they  heap  to  themselves  teachers,  having  itching 
ears."  This  unpleasant  part  of  our  subject  must  not 
pass  unnoticed.  To  what  time  he  has  reference,  whea 
these  schisms  and  corruptions  would  commence,  it  is 
unnecessary  to  inquire.  Our  own  time  is  that  with 
which  we  are  chiefly  concerned  ;  and  unhappily  to  our 
own  time  this  prediction  but  too  well  corresponds. 
That  there  is  an  unwillingness  to  "  hear  sound  doctrine" 
is  much  too  evident  from  the  many  contradictory  doc- 
trines which  are  received,  and  the  various  sects  into 
which  the  church  is  divided.  We  live  in  an  age  and 
country,  when  and  where,  should  we  call  in  question  the 
right  of  any  to  "  heap  to  themselves  teachers,"  and  such 


15 

teachers  as  their   "  ears"   prefer,  no  authority  of  the 
apostle  would  shield   us  from   the   charge  of  bigotry. 
The  ordinance  of  preaching  is  not  more  liable  to  abuse 
by  the  indolence  or  vain- glory  of  those  who  are  called 
to  the  ministry,  than  by  the   carnal   propensities   and 
caprice  of  hearers.     There  is  no  doubt  but  many  are 
led  to  hear  sermons  by  "  itching  ears,"  to  gratify  curi- 
osity, to  be  amused  with  novelty,  or  to  be  flattered  and 
confirmed  in   favourite  opinions,  rather  than  by  better 
motives.    "  Whereas  there  is  among  you  envying,  strife, 
and   divisions, — while  one   saith,  I   am   of  Paul,   and 
another,  I  am  of  Apollos,  are  ye  not  carnal  ?"     This 
propensity  of  Christians  to  "  walk  as  men," — to  regard 
more  their  own  pleasure  and  selfwill,  than  the  will  of 
God,  and  the  peace  and  harmony  of  his  church,  is  indeed, 
as  the  apostle  intimates,  and  sad  experience  verifies,  what 
renders  the  labours  of  Christ's  ministers  more  arduous 
and  difficult,   and  induces  the  necessity  of  greater  exer- 
tions.    It  becomes  therefore  our  duty  in  all  our  preach- 
ing, in  season  and  out  of  season  ;    in  all  our  reproofs, 
rebukes,  and  exhortations  to  have  a  singular  eye  to  this 
evil.     Let   us  be  careful  to  teach   that  doctrine  only 
which  is  "  sound,"  and  to  "  contend  earnestly  for  the 
faith  once  delivered   to  the  saints."     Let  no  worldly 
motives  of  pride   or  selfishness,  no  influence  of  party 
spirit,  no  prejudice  of  education,  nor  any  considerations 
of  interest  or  popularity  ever  induce  us  to  "  fashion  our 
doctrines  to  the  varying  hour,"  or  neglect  "  to  declare 
the  whole  counsel  of  God."     At   the  same  time  let  us 
follow  after  the  things   which  make  for  peace  in  the 


16 

church,  and  after  that  charity  which  is  its  bond  of  per- 
fectness.  For  the  truth's  sake  let  us  give  up  every 
thing  but  the  truth  ;  and  while  we  become  all  things  to 
all  men,  let  it  be  as  the  ozier  bending  before  the  storm, 
with  the  root  invariably  fixed  and  immoveahle.  It 
being  so  indispensably  necessary  to  the  success  of  our 
ministry,  and  the  general  prosperity  of  religion,  that 
we  are  zealously  active  in  propagating  the  doctrine 
which  is  sound,  let  us  not  turn  to  the  right  hand  nor  to 
the  left,  nor  be  weary  in  well  doing.  Let  us  ever  imi- 
tate that  constant  and  glowing,  yet  dignified  and  tem- 
perate zeal,  equally  remote  from  lukewarmness  and 
enthusiasm,  which  was  so  perfectly  exemplified  in  our 
blessed  Saviour,  and  so  happily  followed  by  his  holy 
apostles. 

Nor  is  it  less  our  duty  to  hear  sound  doctrine,  than 
to  teach  it ;  and  we  must  take  heed  what  we  hear,  no 
less  than  what  we  teach.  The  gospel  is  not  sent  to 
please  the  ear,  nor  flatter  the  capricious  humours  of 
man  ;  but  to  make  us  wise  unto  salvation  ;  to  change 
the  heart,  and  bring  it  in  subjection  to  the  will  of  God. 
The  question  is  not  what  men  prefer,  but  what  God  has 
Caught.  The  orator  of  this  world  is  at  liberty  to  accom- 
modate his  discourse  to  the  various  interests,  tastes, 
and  opinions  of  mankind  :  but  we  must  deliver  to  you 
the  message,  which  we  have  received.  We  "  cannot 
go  beyond  the  word  of  the  Lord  to  do  less  or  more." 
We  must  preach  his  word,  and  declare  his  counsel. 
We  must  carry  our  commission  in  our  hand  ;  nor  can 
we  lawfully  depart  from  the  holy  commandment  given 


unto  us.  We  are  not  at  liberty  to  prophesy  smooth 
things,  or  to  select  popular  and  pleasing  subjects,  but 
must  often  speak  things  ungrateful  to  our  hearers. 
Being  ambassadors  for  Christ  we  must  be  about  his 
business,  and  pray  you  in  his  stead  to  be  reconciled  to 
God.  We  must  "  reprove,  rebuke,  and  exhort  with  all 
long  suffering  and  doctrine."  Remember  therefore, 
that  God  is  wiser  than  man,  and  that  in  his  name  we 
speak,  "  as  though  God  did  beseech  you  by  us."  And 
most  solemnly  do  we  beseech  you,  to  let  no  considera- 
tions of  separate  interest,  or  personal  feeling,  or  worldly 
affections  ever  influence  your  minds  to  reject  or  pervert 
the  pure  word  of  God,  or  to  do  any  thing,  which  will 
frustrate  its  prosperity,  or  cause  or  perpetuate  divisions 
in  the  church  of  Christ. 

Finally,  let  us  all,  each  in  his  respective  station,  unite 
in  the  glorious  work,  to  which  it  has  pleased  God  to  call 
us,  and  with  sincere  hearts  and  pious  zeal,  labour  to  es- 
tablish and  extend  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  The  very 
interesting  and  important  business,  which  has  called  us 
here,  calls  also  for  our  united  exertions  in  the  sacred 
cause.  Great  reason  have  we  to  bless  God  for  the  un- 
usual harmony,  which  has  hitherto  prevailed  among  the 
members  of  this  and  the  preceding  convention,  and 
among  all  the  churches  which  we  represent.  Is  it  not 
a  most  auspicious  indication  "  of  his  favour  and  good- 
ness towards  us,  and  that  he  favourably  alloweth  this 
charitable  work  of  ours"  in  attempting  to  "  strengthen 
the  things  which  remain,"  and  revive  our  churches  from 
their  languid  state  ?  Humbly  may  we  hope,  from  his 
c 


18 

mercies  past,  that  he  will  bless  and  prosper  our  present 
work.  The  peculiar  state  of  our  church  in  this  new  Di- 
ocese calls  loudly  upon  all  its  friends,  and  especially  up- 
on us  of  this  convention,  to  make  those  great  exertions 
enjoined  in  our  text,  and  every  other  exertion  which  its 
interest  requires.  God  is  promising,  as  we  may  hum- 
bly trust,  a  great  blessing  upon  our  labours.  Appar- 
ently, an  opportunity  is  given  us,  of  seeing  the  church 
prosperous  in  our  day,  and  of  conferring  great  and  du- 
rable benefits  upon  posterity.  Should  we  lose  this  fa- 
vourable season,  God  only  knows,  if  he  will  vouchsafe 
another.  Now  is  the  accepted  time.  Let  us  be  awake 
to  a  sense  of  God's  mercies,  and  of  our  own  duty.  Let 
us  be  zealous, — let  us  be  united,  as  a  band  of  brethren, 
in  every  requisite  effort.  Of  the  divine  favour  we  may 
be  assured,  if  we  are  not  wanting  to  ourselves.  But 
without  labour  we  are  not  to  expect  fruit.  Though  we 
"  hear  sound  doctrine ;"  though  we  are  ever  so  orthodox 
in  our  creeds  and  articles  ;  ever  so  regular  and  apos- 
tolic in  our  worship  and  discipline  ;  yet,  if  we  are  care- 
less and  inattentive  to  'the  duties  of  our  profession,  our 
labours  will  not  prosper  ;  tares  will  be  sown  among  the 
wheat ;  "  they  will  heap  to  themselves  teachers,"  and 
our  churches  will  decline.  This  are  we  taught  in  the 
word  of  God,  and  this  we  are  taught  by  long  experience 
of  Christianity  from  the  seven  churches  of  Asia,  in  the 
apostle's  days,  to  seventy  times  seven  in  our  own  age, 
and  even  in  our  own  country. 

Let  us  labour  especially  in  preaching  the  word,  and 

propagating  sound  doctrine.    Let  us  always  be  found 
we  .. 


19 

at  our  post  upon  the  watch  tower  of  Zion,  prompt  at  ev- 
ery call,  and  every  season.  While  men  will  hear  the 
gospel,  let  us  not  withhold  it  ;  but  always  "  fill  the 
hungry  with  good  things,"  and  let  it  be  their  own  fault, 
if  any  are  "  sent  empty  away.' ' 

May  it  please  God,  in  his  own  good  time,  to  grant  us 
once  more  an  Episcopal  head,  duly  qualified  for  the  sa- 
cred office,  and  invested  with  the  same  authority  as 
Timothy,  the  first  bishop  of  Ephesus,  to  "  reprove,  re- 
buke, and  exhort  ;"  to  "  ordain  elders  in  every  city," 
and  every  parish,  where  they  are  needed  ;  to  visit  and 
oversee  the  churches,  and  complete  the  administration 
of  all  the  gospel  ordinances.  This  we  may  humbly  hope 
with  his  blessing  will  be  a  great  and  effectual  means  of 
prospering  the  work  which  we  have  in  hand. 

And  let  us  add  to  our  exertions,  humble  and  devout 
supplications  to  Almighty  God,  that  he  will  inspire  us 
with  holy  zeal  and  heavenly  wisdom  ;  that  he  will  direct 
our  counsels  and  deliberations  ;  strengthen  our  hands 
and  bless  our  labours  to  his  glory,  and  to  the  good  and 
salvation  of  his  people. 

And  to  Him,  the  only  wise  God,  be  ascribed  all  glory 
tetnd  praise,  both  now  and  forever.  AMEN. 


.<r?37 


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